WHAT THE IF?

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SPECIAL EPISODE: “What the PANDEMIC?” With Virologist Gaby Paniccia

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Hey IF’ers! How has quarantine been treating you? Feeling the itch to get out? 

Don’t go anywhere yet, not just because it’s not safe but we’ve got another Coronavirus-related WHAT THE IF for you!

Rockefeller University Virologist GABY PANICCIA returns to ask “What The If…There was a WORLD-WIDE Pandemic?!” Seems implausible, but it’s the world we live in, FOR NOW! 

So, break out your Purell and Lysol wipes! Half of humanity is under lockdown and we ain’t going nowhere.

Let’s make that VIRUS unhappy!!

MORE ON THE IF THIS WEEK:

1.     Animal Origins of Viral Diseases

Many viruses that can infect humans originate from animals—who knew one of the common cold viruses came from camels! The novel coronavirus is thought to come from bats, but how the actual jump to humans is made is still being investigated.

2.     Historical Pandemics

Although the influence of Corvid-19 is perhaps unprecedented in recent years, large-scale pandemics are by no means a new phenomenon. Read up on how the 1918 influenza pandemic affected the U.S. military and how it responded. While you’re stuck at home, also check out this history of quarantine as a practice!

3.     Disinfection and Cleaning

How are viruses killed and what kind of cleaning products can get the job done? Here’s a guide to properly disinfecting your home. Gear up with soap and alcohol and defend yourself from the coronavirus!

4.     More About Viruses

To learn more interesting facts about viruses and how they work, check out this educational page made by Rockefeller University!


Special thanks to Kyle Crichton, Howard Zheng and Illia Zheng for their help with the show.


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Keep On IF’in',
Philip & Matt,
WhatTheIF.com